Coronavirus: Police break up wedding party with 100 guests in Blackburn
Written by News on 18/08/2020
Police broke up a wedding reception with more than 100 guests in Blackburn after it was found to be breaking coronavirus restrictions.
The party was one of at least two halted in areas covered by bans on people from different households socialising together indoors, in local restrictions intended to quell spikes in COVID-19 cases.
Blackburn and Darwen Police described the incident as “disappointing” in a Facebook post, saying officers spoke to those at the wedding reception and that the gathering was dispersed without further action.
“This is a clear breach of both local and national restrictions that puts everyone attending at risk,” they said.
In Greater Manchester, officers issued a fixed penalty notice to the organiser of a wedding with more than 50 guests and a marquee.
Police said the wedding in Whalley Range, Manchester, was among 54 reported coronavirus breaches between 3pm and 11pm on Sunday in the region.
Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Ian Pilling said: “Following large gatherings on both Friday and Saturday night, we have had to attend further events yesterday evening.
“We’ve been really open with the public about the pressure these calls place on already stretched and limited resources and I really need people to understand what is at stake here.
“Can you imagine a vulnerable loved one not being able to get through to 999 when in an emergency, because our phone lines are tied up with people reporting illegal parties? It’s this serious.
“I feel we’ve been really fair with the public, engaging and explaining with them and only enforcing as a last resort.
“However, these blatant breaches continue and we owe it to our communities to thoroughly investigate these types of reports and prosecute those involved. We will continue to enforce when there is a blatant disregard for the rules.
“We understand that the vast majority of people across Greater Manchester are doing the right thing and it’s incredibly disappointing that these people are being continuously let down by a small majority, who are selfishly flouting the very guidance that is there to keep us safe. I want to thank those who are doing their bit.”
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Police break up wedding party with 100 guests in Blackburn
